FAQs

Q: What can I expect from a session with Tina?

A: Initially we would have a discussion on the phone where I will gather some information, including if you are currently seeing a psychologist. On meeting for the first time, my aim would be to make you feel safe, valued and heard. Once the consent form is explained and signed, I may do a risk assessment to see how I can best meet your needs and ask permission to introduce myself to your psychologist so that we do not double up on anything. Art is always an invitation. The session is centred around you and what is comfortable for you at that moment. There is nothing for you to bring other than an open mind to explore your feelings and to come away from the session with new possibilities and knowing.

Q: What if I can’t draw or paint?

A: Not knowing how to draw or paint is not necessary at all. When you attend a session with me, I am much more about what you see in your art process from the shapes, colours and patterns you created than with skills or techniques.

Q: What if I don’t feel like doing any art?

A: Then I will create a safe space for you to share your concerns without judgement. Art is always an invitation. I want to ensure you feel valued and heard. As we get to know each other I may present picture cards, symbols, or figurines. I may suggest you start a visual journal at home that you can bring along to share or engage in some coping techniques and guided meditation.

The session is always centred around your needs.

Q: What happens to my Artwork?

A: I have a secure cabinet to store your art or you can take a photo or take it home. The choice is always yours.

Q: Does everything shared during a session remain private?

A: Absolutely. There is a consent form I provide that goes through all this as well.

Q: How do you assist Kindergarten Children and Primary School-age Children with Art Therapy?

A: Kindergarten children learn through play. Before changing my profession, I was an Educator for 25 years at various Kindergartens, Early Learning Centres, and Special Needs Schools. I hold a Working with Children Check and have trained Educators as well. It was an honour being part of their world.

Kindergarten Children and school-age children have similar concerns, worries and fears as adults do. How I operate is to meet up with the parents first so that we can discuss what you hope for your child to get out of the sessions and to answer any questions about my service and fill in the consent form.

Depending on their age and stage, I may read a story or engage in storytelling, role play, or puppetry. I may focus on experiences that enhance self-esteem, which can include sensory experiences such as paint, water, sand, clay, or natural materials (at times from my garden). We may explore ways to regulate their body and mind to cope in being in a more positive and calm state of mind or engage in a worksheet. This all takes place in a safe and nurturing environment.

Q: Can I stay with my child in the session?

A: I would prefer that you say goodbye and reassure your child that you will be back soon. Children usually find me nurturing and colourful by my choice of clothing or flowers or bows in my bright red hair once they initially meet me. It is my aim that your child can feel safe with me. I have no objection if they would like to bring a security toy on their first visit with me to my session or to call you if I felt they were distraught. I also have a trained Teddy Bear Cavoodle named “Honey” who can stay with them for some comfort as well.

I am also close to a park if you wish to take your remaining children or beloved pet for a walk and there are shops in a 2km range from my practice in Berwick.

You will find older children would much prefer you to leave as it will create a space to openly share their concerns more comfortably with their parents not present.

Q: Will we be told what our child shared?

A: For School-age children 12 years up, only with their permission.

For under 12, I will share any themes or fears if I felt it was impacting their development, Physical or Mental Well-being. This is also mentioned when I meet you before we arrange sessions with your child. It is mandatory as a Therapist to report anything where I felt your child was at harm either to themselves or others. This is probably the only time I would bring this to your attention as well. Generally, if I have seen a child for 10 weeks, on request I can provide a progress report.

Q: Will Art therapy assist my Teenager?

A: Absolutely but initially they won’t want to be here. It is my role to provide a safe space where they can release their frustrations. Teenagers generally act on impulse. A session with me would be to create opportunities to engage in self-expression of body image, self-worth, values, vision boards, resilience coping skills, visual art, technology based on their interests, and exploring their sexuality as their bodies may be experiencing puberty. I have witnessed how Art Therapy can assist new ways of being while feeling valued and heard.

Q: Can Art Therapy assist couples?

A: Art therapy can be very beneficial to couples. It can create a platform for reconnection. It can highlight strengths and present new ways of being by giving you each a voice to explore feelings or to bring darker thoughts into the light.

We might focus on self-worth and invite you both to engage in experiences creatively with the aim of allowing you both to move forward. At times I may see you both individually.

Prior to any couple sessions, two free 15 minutes telephone sessions are undertaken (one for each client).

Q: Do you currently conduct workshops?

A: Yes I do and intend to run workshops at my premises once a month for 2 hours. My workshops are not an art and craft gathering. They are a service where participants can meet and explore their feelings from various art processes on offer. There is always an intention, and some of the art experiences may be collage themes, doll making, visual art and mindfulness experiences.

Q: Do you run or will you be running support groups?

A: This year, I intend to start up a support group at my premises once a month for up to 10 participants at a duration of 2 hours. These support groups are for clients caring for someone with mental health, disability, ageing parent, infertility, pet grief, terminal illness or chronic pain sufferers.

Q: Do you conduct art therapy at organisations?

A: Yes I do and I generally facilitate at the workplace premises for 1 & ½ hours.

I may work on team building, boundaries, strengths and mindfulness experiences.

I have also worked at Early Learning Centres and Kindergartens on 2 hour shifts and 5 hour shifts.

Q: Do you provide therapy grieving the loss of a pet?

A: I certainly do. Pets are part of our lives. The loss is real and you should always give yourself permission to grieve and honour their lives.

Q: Can I claim on this service?

A: At this stage, claiming is not available. However, you will discover my fee is generally similar to your Net sum payable anyway.